The Conner & Smith Show

Join Matt and me for Episode 138 as we dance our way into the high-energy, heart-filled world of Hairspray (2007)! This dazzling movie musical might look like just another retro romp, but don’t be fooled—it’s a Trojan horse of a film, delivering a powerful social message wrapped in a beehive and a beat you can’t ignore. We break down why Hairspray is so much more than catchy tunes and bold choreog...

Join Matt and me for Episode 137 as we slide into our leather jackets and dive into the iconic 1978 film Grease! This one’s the word, folks. From the electrifying opening credits to the carnival finale that defies logic (but who cares?), we’re hopelessly devoted to this movie. We talk about what makes Grease such a standout in the movie musical canon: the endlessly quotable lines, the legendary so...

Join Matt and me for Episode 136 as we take a look at Bye Bye Birdie (1995), the made-for-TV adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Featuring a standout cast including Jason Alexander, Vanessa Williams, Chynna Phillips, and Marc Kudisch, this version had all the ingredients for a great revival. While we appreciated the performances and some fun moments throughout, the film as a whole didn’t quit...

Join Matt and me for Episode 135 as we take on Annie (1982), a vibrant and enduring entry in the movie musical canon. With a powerhouse cast including Carol Burnett, Albert Finney, Ann Reinking, Bernadette Peters, and Tim Curry, this adaptation of the Broadway hit brings bold choreography, memorable performances, and timeless songs like “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” to the screen. Dire...

Join Matt and me for Episode 134 as we tackle A Chorus Line (1985), a movie musical that boldly asked, “What if we took a Broadway masterpiece… and made it worse?” Directed by Richard Attenborough (yes, really) and starring Michael Douglas as Zach (also… yes, really), this adaptation swaps out two iconic songs for original numbers that absolutely no one asked for—and makes the whole thing feel mor...

Join Matt and me for Episode 133 as we take on Les Misérables (2012), Tom Hooper’s ambitious, emotionally raw adaptation of the beloved stage musical. From Anne Hathaway’s unforgettable “I Dreamed a Dream” to the sweeping visuals and live-on-set vocals, this film aimed to bring Victor Hugo’s epic to the screen with intensity and heart. We explore the performances, the directorial choices, and the...

Join Matt and me for Episode 132 as we close out our journey through Andrew Lloyd Webber’s movie musicals with the most baffling, bedazzled entry of them all: Cats (2019). Yes, that movie—the one with digital fur technology, floating Judi Dench monologues, and enough odd choices to fill a Heaviside Layer of think pieces. We’re joined by Ryan Halbrook as we unravel what went wrong—and what maybe co...

Join Matt and me for Episode 131 as we tiptoe further into the misty, melodramatic world of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s movie musicals. This week: The Phantom of the Opera (2004) — a film where the true horror isn’t the Phantom’s face… it’s the vocal choices. Get ready for heavy breathing, soft-focus everything, and a love triangle so confusing you’ll be rooting for the chandelier to win. Support The Co...

Join Matt and me for Episode 130 as we tango our way into Evita (1996)—where Madonna sings, sashays, and side-eyes her way through Argentina’s most glamorous rise to power since… well, ever. It’s a popera fever dream with more costumes than plot, Antonio Banderas playing the Greek chorus with zero chill, and Jonathan Pryce just trying to keep up. There’s no dialogue, no subtlety, and absolutely no...

Join Matt and me for Episode 129 as we kick off our deep dive into the cinematic universe of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s movie musicals. First up: Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)—the groovy, glitter-drenched rock opera that put sandals and sideburns on the Son of God. It’s bold. It’s blasphemous (depending on your aunt). It’s got Carl Anderson levitating with charisma and Ted Neeley screaming to the heave...

Join Matt and me for Episode 128—our final bow in the Sondheim series—as we dive into Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1993). It’s Broadway’s best doing what they do best: belting, emoting, and worshipping at the altar of Sondheim. We’re talking LuPone, Peters, Buckley, Minnelli—more divas than dressing rooms. It’s grand. It’s over-the-top. It’s Sondheim with a full orchestra and zero chi...

Join Matt and me as we dive headfirst into Follies in Concert (1985)—the most glamorous, chaotic, star-packed night Broadway never quite recovered from. Imagine Elaine Stritch growling, Barbara Cook soaring, Carol Burnett emoting, and Mandy Patinkin… well, Mandy Patinkining all over the place. It was supposed to be a one-night concert, but someone said, “Hey, what if we film this fever dream?” And...

Join Matt and me as we continue our Movie Musicals era, diving into the world of Stephen Sondheim on film. This week, we’re watching another documentary: “Original Cast Album: Company”. This famously was supposed to be the pilot to a tv show, but the guy directing it got another gig, so it turned into a one off. I’ve never seen so many cigarettes being smoked at the same time. Times sure were diff...

Join Matt and me as we continue our Movie Musicals era, diving into the world of Stephen Sondheim on film. This week, we’re changing things up with a documentary: HBO’s Six by Sondheim (2013). This captivating deep dive explores the genius of Sondheim through six of his most iconic songs, blending rare archival footage, personal reflections, and stunning performances. If you’re a fan of musical th...

Join Matt and I as we continue our “Movie Musicals” era, currently examining the movie musicals of Stephen Sondheim, changing up the pace to a documentary this week. “The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened” examines the cast of Merrily We Roll Along in Broadway back in rehearsals for its premiere before its resounding flop, and what those actors lives have been since. If you’ve never s...

Join Matt and I as we continue our “Movie Musicals” era, currently examining the movie musicals of Stephen Sondheim, exploring the darker parts of the forest of the human psyche as we go “Into the Woods” (2014). 
Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Join Matt and I as we continue our “Movie Musicals” era, currently exploring the movie musicals of Stephen Sondheim, exploring the depths of revenge with our old pal, Sweeney Todd (2007). 
 Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Join Matt and I as we continue our “Movie Musicals” era, currently exploring the movie musicals of Stephen Sondheim, kicking it off with “Gypsy”, the Bette Midler 1993 version. 
Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Join us as we have a conversation with Richard Schoch, author of “How Sondheim Can Change Your Life”. This is a book that we both loved, and we were so lucky to get to talk to Richard about it. This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club Car in Baltimore through February 1st. For more information, please visit ww...

Join Matt, Ryan, and myself as we travel North to Baltimore to see our show, “Whitechapel” at Stillpointe Theatre in Baltimore! We LOVED the show, and were so proud of everyone involved! This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club Car in Baltimore through February 1st. For more information, please visit www.still...

Join Matt and myself as we talk with the man of the hour, “Whitechapel” director, Ryan Haase, who is also the head of Stillpointe Theatre in Baltimore! We love Ryan, and are always so happy to chat with him! This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club Car from January 16th through February 1st. For more informati...

Join Matt and myself as we discuss 1956’s Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “Carousel”. An exercise of who not to be on all fronts. This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club Car from January 16th through February 1st. For more information, please visit www.stillpointetheatre.com 
 Support The Conner & Smith Show...

Join Matt and myself as we discuss 1956’s Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “The King & I”. An oddly structured piece with incredible performances and a most incredible ballet featuring the small house of Uncle Thomas. This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club Car from January 16th through February 1st. For more...

Join Matt and myself as we discuss 1955’s Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “Oklahoma!”. Much discussion about Box Socials, Belling, and Chivarees! This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club Car from January 16th through February 1st. For more information, please visit www.stillpointetheatre.com 
 Support The Con...

Join Matt and myself as we mix a cocktail called “Wonderful Wizard” before we watch the Golden Globes and cheer on “Wicked”! This cocktail recipe is from the book, “Mixing it Up with Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre”, available for purchase here: https://a.co/d/1VzEJ4F This podcast series is in support of Stillpointe Theatre and their World Premiere of our show, “Whitechapel”, running at The Club C...